Work

Health impairments among refuse derived fuel workers.

Year: 1997

Type: article

Abstract: We conducted this study to address concerns regarding a perceived increase in bronchitis, skin rashes, and diarrhea and long term health effects in workers at two Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) processing plants. We abstracted medical records to assess symptom occurrence, and to identify spirometry and lab abnormalities. Overall FEV1 and FVC showed no decrease over time for workers with more than five years of exposure. The primary self reported symptoms were low back pain and headaches followed by skin rashes, colds, 'flu', hay fever and ear problems. Conclusions from this analysis are limited by lack of standardized protocols or a control group. However, results from this analysis pointed out potential occupational health problems among RDF workers for future epidemiological and environmental studies.

Source: PubMed

Authors: S Mahar, S J Reynolds, N L Sprince

Institutions: Ohio University, University of Iowa, University of Iowa Health Care

Language: English

Topic: Municipal Solid Waste Management

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2169315486

FWCI:

Cites:

Cited by:

Related to: 10